Seattle mayor wants to expand permissible sites for weed shops

Seattle could soon see a large increase in the number of allowed legal weed shops. Mayor Ed Murry is aiming to loosen the restrictions on buffer zones now required between weed shops, parks, libraries and other venues frequented by youth.

The amount of weed shops in Seattle would almost triple the amount allowed today within the city limits. Currently the buffer zones require legal weed shops to be at least 1,000 feet from child-care facilities, libraries and rec centers. Murry would expand that required distance to 5,000 feet.

Murry’s plan would keep the 1,000 foot distance between weed businesses and elementary and secondary schools and public playgrounds. As well as creating a new buffer zone between weed shops to 500 feet.